Illinois Restaurant Named One of America’s Best Cheesesteak Spots

When you think of cheesesteak, you typically think of Philadelphia. At least, that's what I was always told. There are outliers, sure, but if you were to put together a list of the ten best places to get cheesesteak in America, ten of them had better be from Philadelphia.

Chicago’s Deep-Dish Pride and Food Identity

For example, if I were to say "deep-dish pizza," you'd say "Chicago." It's synonymous with the Windy City, and if you were to pull up a list of the best deep-dish pizza in America, it's packed to the gills with recommendations of Chicago-area restaurants and very few, if any, from outside Illinois.

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An Illinois Spot Joins the Best Cheesesteaks in America

So that's why I find it funny and rather prideful to see a restaurant from Illinois included on a Mashed list of the Absolute Best Cheesesteaks in America.

Meet Monti’s: Philly Roots, Chicago Flavor

Mashed says Monti's is the "recommended place to get a real Philly cheesesteak" and was "founded by a couple of Philly transplants: Jennifer Monti and James Gottwald," which at least explains why the place is so good outside of Philadelphia.

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The Secret Sauce: Wisconsin Cheddar Meets Philly Tradition

Mashed also mentions Monti's "offers the unique choice of adding aged Wisconsin cheddar sauce to its cheesesteaks," while "combining the best of both Philly and Chi-Town" according to the restaurant website.

Add Monti’s to Your Chicago Food Bucket List

I don't think I've had a truly amazing cheesesteak experience, but that needs to change. Monti's is at 4757 North Talman Avenue in Chicago.